alclometasone dipropionate: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm that the dermatosis is corticosteroid-responsive and exclude infection or an alternative diagnosis if it worsens or fails to improve.
• Minimise systemic exposure, particularly over large areas, under occlusion, on delicate skin and in infants or children.
• A nappy may act as an occlusive dressing.
• If symptoms recur soon after successful treatment with spreading erythema and burning, consider topical steroid withdrawal and seek specialist input before reapplication.
• Counsel about the fire risk from residue on clothing, bedding and dressings.

Contraindications and cautions

• Hypersensitivity to alclometasone dipropionate or an excipient
• Rosacea, acne or perioral dermatitis
• Tuberculous or viral skin lesions, including herpes simplex, vaccinia and varicella
• Fungal or bacterial skin infection

Monitoring

• Review for irritation, sensitisation, secondary infection, skin atrophy and other local corticosteroid effects.
• With extensive, occluded or prolonged exposure—especially in children—consider systemic corticosteroid effects, growth and HPA-axis suppression.
• Assess severe rebound symptoms after withdrawal rather than automatically restarting treatment.

Clinical pharmacology

A non-fluorinated synthetic glucocorticoid with local anti-inflammatory activity. It is classified as a moderately potent topical corticosteroid; systemic absorption depends on factors including treatment area, skin integrity and occlusion.

Formulation and product differences

• The selected product is a cream for cutaneous use.
• The formulation contains propylene glycol, which may irritate skin.
• Its paraffin-containing base can accumulate on fabrics and increase flammability.
• It is not an ophthalmic preparation.

Cream

Route: Cutaneous

Strengths: 0.05% w/w